Amid the growing trend of nighttime tourism experiences in Da Nang, Dance of the Great Forest has emerged as one of the region’s most distinctive cultural performances. Staged nightly at 8:00 PM at the Dong Giang Heaven Gate Ecotourism Site, the show is more than a theatrical production—it is a journey into the heart of the Truong Son Mountains, told through the universal language of music, light, movement, and emotion.
Set against the backdrop of majestic forests and mountains, Dance of the Great Forest vividly portrays the cultural life of the Co Tu people through traditional festivals, gong performances, folk dances, legendary tales, and the rhythms of everyday life. The seamless blend of contemporary stagecraft and authentic cultural elements creates an immersive experience that brings visitors closer to the soul of the highlands.
For nearly three years, the show has been performed nightly at Dong Giang Heaven Gate, becoming a unique cultural gathering place where indigenous heritage is awakened through music, choreography, lighting, and the raw emotions of the mountains and forests.
Inspired by the original values of Co Tu culture, the new version of Dance of the Great Forest continues to be narrated through expressive music, dance, and immersive staging, where tradition and modernity harmoniously converge to recreate the historical and cultural journey of the Co Tu community.
While the previous version unfolded through three performance segments—Ly folk singing, traditional instrumental ensemble performances, and the New Rice Celebration—the newly reimagined production has been condensed into two carefully crafted chapters. Traditional artistic expressions now flow seamlessly into contemporary musical rhythms, creating an artistic journey that feels both authentic and refreshingly modern.
The first chapter vividly depicts the origins of a land that shaped the customs, livelihoods, and daily life of the Co Tu people, one of the oldest indigenous communities in the western mountainous region of Central Vietnam. Through the passage of time, Co Tu cultural identity is brought to life through traditional rituals such as the New Rice Festival and the Forest Thanksgiving Ceremony, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and community that defines the people of this land.
The second chapter unfolds as a legendary tale of a sacred land, portraying the deep spiritual connection between the Co Tu people and the place they call home. It is a story of a land that nurtures life, brings prosperity, and serves as an invisible bond linking humanity with nature and the heavens.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the performance is that every artisan and performer is a member of the Co Tu community from the Truong Son Mountains, dressed in traditional attire. Despite the challenges of balancing daily work responsibilities at the tourism site and limited rehearsal conditions, their pride in their homeland, love for their culture, and commitment to preserving their heritage shine through every performance, creating a deeply moving experience for audiences.
Building on the strong impression it has left on visitors, Dance of the Great Forest promises to open a new journey of discovery—one that invites audiences to reconnect with cultural roots within the sacred atmosphere of the great forest.
More than an artistic performance, the new production is expected to become a signature cultural and tourism product of Dong Giang Heaven Gate, helping preserve and promote Co Tu cultural values, attract visitors, and contribute to sustainable tourism development.
Beyond entertainment, performing arts today have become a powerful language that connects the past with the present, allowing each destination to tell its own story in a vivid and emotionally engaging way.
According to Ms. Dang Pham Trieu Van, Chief Executive Officer of Dong Giang Heaven Gate Ecotourism Site, the development of artistic programs at destinations is not only intended to enhance tourism appeal but also to sustainably preserve and promote indigenous cultural values while respecting the authenticity of local heritage.
If Da Nang lights up the night sky with spectacular fireworks, then deep within the Truong Son Mountains, Dance of the Great Forest illuminates cultural memories through sound, movement, and the emotions of the forest. As the performance concludes, audiences leave not only with unforgettable impressions but also with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect for the enduring cultural values of the Co Tu people that continue to be preserved in the heart of the great forest.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
